The First Week of School

The rest of the first week of school went pretty well.  We fell into a fairly easy routine and enjoyed our new subjects as well as our old favorites.  

Spanish has definitely been a highlight so far.  We do it daily and our lessons take about 30 minutes, depending on how many times I have them work on their new words/phrases, and sing the songs.  The songs are definitely helping with correct pronunciation and remembering the words.

 

 

I also purchased the Song School Spanish DVD (it didn't come with the kit).  It's thorough and does a good job with pronunciation and explaining, however it's a smidge dry.  (We're at that cross between watching a DVD for education vs entertainment!) Ameliya, however, LOVES it.  She's growing quite a cute little Spanish vocabulary along with the big kids.

  

 

Natalee is excelling and understanding her math this year.  I'm still SO grateful I had her repeat the Alpha math last year after Beta proved to be such a struggle in the first couple of weeks.  Follow your guts, parents!

Xavier's math is just enough to push him a little, which is perfect.

 

We are trying a new science.  I'm finding *I'm* not excited to do it everyday like I am some of the other subjects, but the kids seem to like it.  I think science just doesn't excite me. :(  I'm working on not letting that transfer to my children.

 Our lessons focused on light, reflection, and rainbows.

Xavier loves his Sing Spell Read and Write.  He's excited to get through the alphabet review so he can start learning to read!!  (Me too!  I love to teach beginning reading!)

 He also got to try out our new Mobi Max during some down time. 

Ameliya is trying to keep up.  She loves "school" and is enjoying her drawer of special school things I made for her.  I put this puzzle set in her school drawer and she loved it the first time we got it out!  I was pleased with how quickly she figured it out!

Sometimes she gets to take a turn with the math blocks, also...

 Scissors remain a favorite...

I decided to do a couple of oral "tests" at the end of the week to make sure things are sticking.  I like oral exams, especially for young children. 

Spanish, Chapter 1...

 

Geography, Continents and Oceans...

Zayden naps through a big chunk of our morning school, but the rest of the time he makes sure his presence is known.  He sticks close to the hubbub so he doesn't get forgotten, unless he can find something naughty to do and then he slips off quietly.  

Overall we've had minimal whines, lots of excitement, and some great learning.  I'm praying this continues through the school year!!